Iraq

US sets Friday deadline for Iraq to form government free of Iran-linked Maliki or face sanctions

The US issued a Friday ultimatum to Baghdad: form a government without Iranian influence or face sanctions. Washington specifically targeted the nomination of Nouri al-Maliki for Prime Minister.

Supporters of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s Reconstruction and Development Coalition Party celebrate, after election results were announced in Baghdad last month. A week later, Sudani announced that his faction would join with the Coordination Framework, a political bloc with ties t
Armed members of the Syrian Democratic Forces' (SDF) military police take part in a demonstration under the banner “With our will, we will protect our revolution”, in Qamishli, Syria, September 17, 2025.

ISIS attacks near Raqqa signal growing threat amid US withdrawal - analysis

This aerial view shows vehicles by the tent shelters for people arriving from the Hol camp in eastern Syria, at the Akbaran camp near Akhtarin, in the north of Aleppo province, on February 17, 2026.

Iraq's FM says Ankara agreed to take back Turkish citizens among IS detainees moved from Syria

IRAQI LAWMAKERS attend the first session of the newly elected parliament, where members are set to be sworn in and begin the process of electing a speaker and two deputies, in Baghdad, Iraq, December 29, 2025.

Iraq faces political crisis as, months after elections, they still lack clear leadership - analysis


US continues gradual withdrawal from Syria as major ISIS family camp closes

“The United States on Monday began withdrawing from Qasrak Base in Hasaka, northeastern Syria (Rojava), transferring equipment to Iraq,” Rudaw Kurdish media reported.

Syrian Democratic Forces and U.S. troops are seen during a patrol near Turkish border in Hasakah, Syria November 4, 2018

Syria announces major drug bust through coordination with Iraq against Captagon trafficking

A source in the Syrian Ministry of Interior told The Media Line that anti-narcotics units carried out what he described as a “high-quality” security operation in Homs province.

KURDISH INTERNAL security forces stand guard after seizing a quantity of captagon pills in Qamishli, Syria, March 25, 2025.

Five Kurdish groups form political coalition to challenge Iran’s regime

Five Kurdish Iranian opposition groups unite to form a powerful new coalition against Tehran’s regime, focusing on self-determination and democracy.

Five Kurdish Iranian opposition groups have formed a coalition against the regime in Iran.

Qatar’s ‘Ring of Fire’: The growing influence posing a deadly threat to Israel's security - opinion

If we do not cleanse Israel of the Qatari parasite, we will experience much greater disasters than the October 7 massacre.

An illustration of the flags of Israel and Qatar.

Controlled chaos: Terrorism is used as a political tool - opinion

Terrorism isn’t just a security threat; it’s a political tool exploited by actors who profit from instability.

ISIS terrorists

Iran temporarily closes Strait of Hormuz due to 'security precautions,' shipping safety

According to Fars, the IRGC Navy commander declared that, "The weapon that reaches the battlefield on the day of war is different from what is displayed in exercises."

 A boat approaches the St Kitt's and Nevis-flagged container ship Marsa Victory while crusing in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Khasab in Oman's northern Musandam peninsula on June 25, 2025.

Thirty-four Australians released from a camp holding families of suspected ISIS terrorists in Syria

Hukmiya Mohamed, a co-director of Roj camp, told Reuters that the 34 Australians had been released to their families, who had come to Syria for the release.

A woman and child walk in the the al-Hol camp in Syria's northeastern Al-Hasakah Governorate on July 28, 2024, as Syrian families of suspected Islamic State fighters prepare to return to their homes in the countryside of Deir Ezzor.

Moving suspected ISIS prisoners to Iraq shows Washington doesn’t fully trust Damascus, expert says

Professor Eytan Gilboa warned that Tehran may pressure Iraq to allow the country to become a ground to challenge the Sharaa regime.

 Women and children seen inside al-Hol camp, amongst them some 6,200 women and children from around 40 nationalities, and including relatives of suspected Islamic State jihadists in the desert region of Hasakah province on January 25, 2026 in Al Hasakah, Syria.

Iraq's Kurds emerge as Middle East's key diplomatic players at Munich Security Council - analysis

The KRG has helped smooth the transition in eastern Syria by working with Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces, also hosting US forces and other anti-ISIS coalition forces.

Nechirvan Barzani, President of Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan Region, gives a joint press conference with France's Foreign Minister in Arbil, the regional capital, on February 5, 2026.

Iraq nears end of US-led ISIS prisoner relocation as thousands are transfered from Syria

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces gave up control of most of eastern Syria, including around 30 ISIS detention facilities, to the Syrian government in January.

 A soldier in an ISIS uniform prepares ammunition.